Estoy como la gran #$%&/@!... My f*cking wallet was stolen this morning! As usual, riding an overcrowded bus. The woman beside me was getting too damn close and got suspicious, but when I noticed and tried to move it was too late, the zipper on the purse was already open and the wallet gone.

Well, if I have to look at the bright side... at least she didn't take the cellphone (which is not even mine, it's provided by my company). Besides, I don't carry any credit or ATM cards with me (previous experiences with thieves...), never carry more than Q50 (about $7) in cash, and by pure chance, I had all my money in my purse rather than inside the wallet. So there was nothing the thief would have found valuable...

But there were several things, starting with the wallet itself, that were valuable to me (some aviation-related, believe it or not). And I lost my friggin' ID... replacing that is going to be a pain in the a$$!

As much as I love my country, these are the things that really get me frustrated.

Quoting Carmenlu15 (Reply 3):Patriotism in a World Cup? Now that is a foreign concept...

I am completely against patriotism on World Cups. One thing is a football team composed of players of the same nationality, and another, completely different thing is a whole country and its population. I am tired of hearing that people from [insert country] are f*ckers, while the ones from [insert country] are a bunch of morons.

For instance, I wanted Italy to win today because they were facing Germany, the country which eliminated Argentina last week. Does this mean I hate Germans? No way!

It is a pretty sad thing that people believe they are superior because their home team plays better football than the others.

Look at it from the bright side Carmen, you did not realize you were being robbed. Nobody pulled out a gun or a knife on you and demanded the wallet, as it is done in Mexico City. When that happens, the sole fact that there was a gun pointing directly at you can be a very traumatic experience, with all the consequences that entails.

Whenever you are being robbed, I believe the best thing is to remain calm and give everything you are asked for. No amount of money will ever be enough to compensate for getting injured or killed.

Specially you, lovely Carmencita. I would be very sad if anything happens to you. Even though you like F...chicken.

Quoting Marambio (Reply 4):For instance, I wanted Italy to win today because they were facing Germany, the country which eliminated Argentina last week. Does this mean I hate Germans? No way!

My feelings as well. However, I (and all my fellow chapines) long for the day when we can sing "Guatemala feliz... que tus aras no profane jamás el verdugo..." before a WC game.

Quoting AR385 (Reply 5):Look at it from the bright side Carmen, you did not realize you were being robbed. Nobody pulled out a gun or a knife on you and demanded the wallet, as it is done in Mexico City.

Actually I did notice my wallet was gone before the woman left the bus. However, as you say...

Quoting AR385 (Reply 5):Whenever you are being robbed, I believe the best thing is to remain calm and give everything you are asked for. No amount of money will ever be enough to compensate for getting injured or killed.

... that's why I let it go. When my father asked why was I so careless in the bus, I replied, "What do you want me to do? Yell? What if the woman was carrying a knife or something?!" You just never know what to expect...

About having a weapon pulled out when robbed, it happens here as well... Remember that story I posted about my fellow secretary who was robbed at gunpoint a few blocks from here? I must say, I feel really thankful because it has never happened to me (and hope never will!)

Quoting Flyingbabydoc (Reply 6):Still much better than in Brazil, where people are shot and killed to have their sneakers stolen. Those are still seldom cases, but frightening.

Not only in Brazil... The other day I read on the paper about a man that was killed becaused he apparently refused to give his money. It was found he was only carrying 20 quetzales. That's not even three dollars!

Quoting Carmenlu15 (Reply 7):Not only in Brazil... The other day I read on the paper about a man that was killed becaused he apparently refused to give his money. It was found he was only carrying 20 quetzales. That's not even three dollars!

Im sorry this happend to you Carmen - This unfortunately does happen all over Central America

I think its all related with th US immigation issue. In the mean time - jys be carefull

Quoting Carmenlu15 (Reply 7):Not only in Brazil... The other day I read on the paper about a man that was killed becaused he apparently refused to give his money. It was found he was only carrying 20 quetzales. That's not even three dollars!

I certainly fear that all of Latin America will be forced into a situation similar to that of Colombia, with armed guerrilla-like forces (i.e. the criminals) against the armed forces and the population caught in between. The last upheaval in Sao Paulo was a serious preclude to such a situation.

However, when a human life is worth so little that a person can be killed for a bag, for a few dollars, for a pair of shoes, I wonder what can be possibly done to reinstate a sense of minimal security in our countries. And I don't think the problem is only immigration or the USA influence or economics alone. I think a major restructuring of the way our societies are built is required: respect for one another, end of corruption in all levels, renewal interest and valuation of human life. Latin Americans in general are warm, loving and caring people - but extremely cold and indifferent regarding the society they live in, sometimes even displicent. Until this indifference is substituted with a true sense of society, of belonging, of respect, situations like the one Carmenlu15 faced will only repeat themselves, if not get worse.

Please note that I have lived in the US for 22 years and my Spanish is basic.

Carmen, you know in LatAm we all have to be careful. I told my wife to leave her wedding ring behind when I took her to Ecuador in 2002. She almost refused, but I immediately pointed out the lack of jewelry being worn in the streets.

As to my chest pains from all the stress I have received for about a week, well, they are almost gone, but I still have received very little help from those who should know better than me. That is the reason I wear the double hat, engineering first, computers second. And it is a computer system for 25 people, so imagine the losses when the computers are done.

Bev (a.net Ndebelebev, from the U.K.) will be here during those days too. It will be great to meet you again!!

Quoting Stratofish (Reply 12):Heard all of these befor, except for, "neeeeeeng" can you provide a voice sample of that?

LOL...that comes from a TV show (El Show de Buenafuente, on Antena 3) where there's a guy called "el Neng de Castefa" and he's always saying loudly "que pasa neeeeeeeeeeng!!!!!!!!!!!!!". It's VERY popular here and many people have started using that expression to say "hi" to their friends.

Quoting IBERIA747 (Reply 13):Quoting Stratofish (Reply 12):
Heard all of these befor, except for, "neeeeeeng" can you provide a voice sample of that?

LOL...that comes from a TV show (El Show de Buenafuente, on Antena 3) where there's a guy called "el Neng de Castefa" and he's always saying loudly "que pasa neeeeeeeeeeng!!!!!!!!!!!!!". It's VERY popular here and many people have started using that expression to say "hi" to their friends.

I'll see if I can find a link to it.

Here's the link. It's better if you have a fast connection as it might take a while to download.

In Colombia, we say...amigo or parcero (parce). There´s expressions to call other people, but they are part of a conversation you dont really call them that way. They are marica, guevon, idiota and gueva.

I do it on purpose so that I can spoil you and Fly727 diets! Muahahahaa

Quoting AR385 (Reply 32):So next Saturday is Carmencita's birthday. I wonder what will she be doing. I personally will try to go to Guatemala and be there to congratulate her in person, just need to check a few things...

Quoting AR385 (Reply 32):KFC, Pollo Campero, El Pollo Loco, Church's, Chikn' filet can all go to hell as far as I 'm concerned. As I said before, I hope the avian flu introduces a ban on chicken. I hate the bird.

I second that motion! I dont like chicken.

Quoting AR385 (Reply 32):So next Saturday is Carmencita's birthday. I wonder what will she be doing. I personally will try to go to Guatemala and be there to congratulate her in person, just need to check a few things...

Congratulate her for me, too. And remember, I am married to a morena and have weakness for them.

But, since I am broke, Carmencita will have to be generous and offer me a room for the weekend. She can tell the parents I'm a good German friend passing through Central America on vacation. I'll remain silent all the time...

Quoting AR385 (Reply 35):But, since I am broke, Carmencita will have to be generous and offer me a room for the weekend. She can tell the parents I'm a good German friend passing through Central America on vacation. I'll remain silent all the time...

Since at first glance you seem to be a saint, I'm sure that Carmen's parents will agree for you to stay next door to Carmen's room.

"Carmen is such a dignified young lady. She grew up in a convent with the divine sisters of charity. She is unaware of the bad things of society. She would never cause this family shame and embarrassment"

"Carmen's Mom"

Just some Latin humor folks. We joke a lot and we don't take it seriously.

Quoting AR385 (Reply 32):Carmen, what will you be doing? A rave? A piñata party? a dinner? Lunch? Formal? Informal? Let me know.

No plans yet... knowing my parents, it's going to be either lunch or a piñata.

And no pics this year -- last time I posted a picture of my birthday party, I had it photoshopped.

Quoting Latinplane (Reply 33):I do it on purpose so that I can spoil you and Fly727 diets! Muahahahaa

Why thank you...

Quoting Latinplane (Reply 36):Quoting AR385 (Reply 35):
But, since I am broke, Carmencita will have to be generous and offer me a room for the weekend. She can tell the parents I'm a good German friend passing through Central America on vacation. I'll remain silent all the time...

Quoting Latinplane (Reply 27):mmmm... you wanna try some choripan? It's so good! And you probably like spicy food, I'll add some extra chimichuri sauce since you guys love spicy food... It is SOO GOOOD!

Quoting Latinplane (Reply 33):I do it on purpose so that I can spoil you and Fly727 diets! Muahahahaa

Quoting AR385 (Reply 32):Pollo Campero ... can all go to hell as far as I 'm concerned.

You, sir, have deeply offended the people of the Republic of Guatemala by expressing such an opinion of the National Food Chain of the country. We demand a public apology be issued, lest this incident have grave consequences for the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Disclaimer: The above statement is intended as a joke, not to be taken seriously.

In fact, I have a trip to Argentina looong delayed... My best friend visited there in 2004, and came back speaking wonders of Buenos Aires. He promised that I would have to come along for the next trip; however, it's somewhat out of our reach at the moment.

Quoting RNOcommctr (Reply 42):My wife from Mexico City has a couple of words that mean "disgusting". Please correct my spellings and expand on the meanings...

Guacala
Fuchi

Gracias.

on the spelling!

As for the meaning, well... they're just expressions, like saying "eww" or "yuck" in English.

You know, actually it's Burger King (especially Burger King since their quality is different from one restaurant to another and since they're selling Pepsi products now ) and McDonald's who can go to hell. Come down to Costa Rica and check out Hamburger Factory! Those are the best damn burgers I've ever tried. They're huge, freshly grilled (unlike what Burger King advertises for their burgers), the fries are really fat and taste like something. They're burgers pretty much the same size as the burgers I've had with my mother at MIA when I was six. Back then, we both couldn't eat all of our burgers and last time I was at Hamburger Factory, I could barely eat all of it, that's how big they are.

Quoting LTU932 (Reply 45):Hamburger Factory! Those are the best damn burgers I've ever tried. They're huge, freshly grilled (unlike what Burger King advertises for their burgers), the fries are really fat

Since my father died, I ended up with depression so I ate and ate and ate. I am 1.84 mts but weighted 121 kgs. So now I am on a diet. I'm down to 110kg, my goal being reaching 90kgs. So no, I can't even think about burgers.

I've been to Rodizios in Rio. They are incredible, and the quality of the food is incredible. Plus, you get out of there with your stomack about to explode. Hard to go back to work after that...

Carmencita. I will not apologize. Chicken is my sworn enemy. Regardless of class, race, nationality or income level. Down with the chickens!! On another matter, since your brother occupies the other room, I'd rather sleep in the same room with you. On the coauch of corse, or on the floor. Unless on some fit of compassion you decide to let me sleep in yor bed.